Engagements with Ahmed
The engagement between Mr. Ahmed Bin Sulayem and the South African diamond industry focused strongly on the importance of protecting the perception of natural diamonds and ensuring that the voices of diamond-producing countries are heard more prominently within the global industry.
The move to amalgamate different industry organizations, namely the Diamond Dealers Club of South Africa and the Rough Diamond Dealers Association, was recognized as a positive step toward creating one unified voice for South Africa and the broader Southern African region.
The discussion also addressed how South Africa can work towards regaining its permanent seat on the WFDB Executive Committee, and how the UAE could support and endorse this move.
When asked where improvements could be made within the Southern African diamond market, three key points were highlighted:
Security
Strengthening security and law enforcement to drive more business confidence.
Technology
Embracing innovation and incorporating more technology to improve productivity and reduce costs.
Leadership and Collaboration
Investing in education for leadership within both government and industry, fostering cooperation and synergy.
Mr. Bin Sulayem also encouraged ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the UAE and South Africa, emphasizing the need to build stronger ties. He invited members to visit Dubai, tour the DMCC facilities, and explore potential synergies for business development and training opportunities.
